The city of Chicago has filed suit against CNA Insurance
over the 2-foot square, 1/2-inch thick glass lite which dropped 29 floors on October 8
from the CNA Building on Chicagos South Wabash Avenue. The lite hit and instantly
killed 37-year old Ana Flores who had been walking with her toddler (see October 1999 USGlass, page 13).

Were seeking code compliance and recovery of emergency response
funds, said building commissioner Mary Richardson Lowry. As part of the suit, CNA is
charged with approximately 50 code violations.

Although legal action has been taken, Lowry said the two parties have been working
together to resolve some issues. We had a status call with CNA in late January which
resulted in the decision to pursue window film testing, Lowry said. An additional
status call will take place in March.

The building commission is working closely with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc.,
an architectural firm headquartered in Northbrook, IL, specializing in construction
technology. Lowry said the firm is currently conducting window film testing. They
will present the testing methodology to us upon which we will comment, said Lowry.
The decision to install window film (on the buildings 4,900 windows) has not yet
been finalizedbut it is very likely. And, if and when the decision is
finalized Lowry said, It [the building] will require the highest level of a secure
filming system.

However, according to Lowry, film may not be the only safety precaution taken.
The firm is looking at as many as five alternatives, she said. We are
testing to determine the best methodology and are looking at what will give the
greatest degree of comfort.

While many in the industry are speculating about Kawneers
future, including talks of massive layoffs and a possible sale,
Kawneer agreed to be interviewed by USGlass to set the record straight.

According to Bob Leyland, vice president of sales and marketing, roughly 20 people have
recently either been laid off or retired from Kawneer. Out of 3,000 Kawneer
employees, I wouldnt call these massive, said Leyland. One of these retirees
is Dow Ruch, former vice president of sales, who has been with Kawneer for 30 years.
Leyland, who formerly served as vice president of marketing, now assumes both the sales
and marketing role. While Ruch worked out of the companys Franklin, IN, office, the
new position occupied by Leyland, is now based out of the companys headquarters in
Norcross, GA.

Leyland said the layoffs that did occur centered around the sales team. The sales
organization was restructured [as part of Kawneers reengineering effort] so
we may provide better overall service, said Leyland. According to Leyland, the sales
organization was previously comprised of multiple layers and is now a flatter structure.
There are no other planned layoffs, he added.

Other industry speculation concerning Kawneer is that its parent company, Alcoa, hired
its new president William Cralley (see page 102) to position the company for a sale
at years end. Leyland, who is involved in Kawneers strategic planning efforts
and future growth plans said, This is totally unfounded. It is more that the
competition wishes this was true.

According to Leyland, Alcoa sees Kawneer as a valuable asset stating, Alcoa
recognizes the added value we bring to their business and is committed to helping us grow
and prosper.